Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/505

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These sober prayers, daughters beloved, I praise.

But though ye from your father tidings hear

New and unlooked for, keep a stedfast heart.

For from this suppliant-guarding eminence

The barque I see; well-marked it 'scapes me not;—

The swelling sails, the bulwarks on each side,

The prow in front, scanning its way with eyes,

And, as to us unfriendly, all too well

Hearing the guiding rudder at the stern.

Distinctly now the sailors may be seen,

Their swart limbs manifest in white attire.

Now ope to view the rest, the attendant ships;—

Meanwhile this one, the leader, with furled sails,

Towards the shore is rowed, with equal stroke.

You it behoves, calmly, with stedfast mind,

Viewing the danger, not to slight these gods.

With champions I'll return and advocates,

Should haply herald come or embassy,

Eager to seize you as the prize of war.

But thus it may not be; fear not the event.

Yet were it best, should we be slow to aid,

In no wise to forget your shelter here.

Courage! when strikes the appointed day and hour,

Due fine that man shall pay who slights the gods.

Father, afraid I am, since swift of wing

The ships advance; full soon will they be here.

My spirit fails me, scared by anxious fear,